Gullane Bents

East Lothian

The wide sandy bay at Gullane is one of the most popular beaches in the east of Scotland, attracting locals, and visitors alike. It is popular for walkers, kite-surfers, horse riders and just about everyone else on a fine summer's day!

History

Gullane is the home of Muirfield which has hosted The Open Championship on numerous occasions, most recently in 2013. In addition to Muirfield, Gullane is the site of several other high-quality golf courses in the village and surrounding area. At the Gullane Golf Club, three interesting eighteen-hole links courses straddle a large grassed-over volcanic plug.

Natural Space

A magnificent sandy beach with excellent views out onto the Firth of Forth. The beach is popular for windsurfing and kite flying when the weather is windy.

The dune grasslands support a wide variety of plant species such as viper's bugloss. Elsewhere, dense stands of sea buckthorn have provided a habitat for many breeding birds, as well as shelter for foxes, small mammals and a small population of roe deer.

Setting

There are plenty of places to walk in the area including a path behind the beach which leads through the sand dunes. To the west, visitors can walk to Gullane Point from where there are spectacular views over Gullane Bay and The Firth of Forth beyond.

Getting There

The beach is within walking distance of Gullane village, which has a number of coffee shops and restaurants. The beach is sign posted from the main street. There are regular bus services to the village.
A large (fee payable) car park is situated adjacent to the beach.

Water Quality Information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. Further information about water quality at this site can be found on the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.